Wed Oct 08 08:36:24 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
California has officially designated Deepavali as a state holiday, joining Pennsylvania and Connecticut in recognizing the Indian festival of lights. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill authored by Assembly member Ash Kalra, emphasizing the state’s large Indian American population and Deepavali’s message of goodwill and renewal. Community leaders and organizations like Indiaspora hailed the decision as a major milestone for cultural inclusion and a recognition of the Indian American community’s contributions to California. The move allows families to celebrate Deepavali’s traditions and empowers schools to observe the sacred day.
**News Article:**
**California Declares Deepavali a State Holiday, Celebrating Indian American Contributions**
**New York, October 8, 2025** – In a landmark decision, California has officially recognized Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, as a state holiday. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Tuesday, making California the third U.S. state to formally acknowledge the festival, following Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Authored by Assembly member Ash Kalra, the bill, AB 268, highlights California’s large Indian American population and the festival’s message of peace, goodwill, and renewal. Kalra stated that the recognition would uplift the message of Deepavali to the hundreds of thousands of Californians who celebrate it and help introduce it to many throughout the diverse state.
“This is a historic moment for Indian-Americans, especially in California,” stated Indiaspora, a leading diaspora organization. “This is a powerful recognition of the community’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to the Golden State.” They further added that the designation affirmed that Indian Americans were woven into the very fabric of California’s identity.
The decision has been widely celebrated by community leaders and organizations. Indiaspora Founder and Chairman M.R. Rangaswami praised Governor Newsom’s leadership and congratulated Kalra and Assembly member Dr. Darshana Patel, the joint-authors of the Bill.
Ajay Bhutoria, a prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur, hailed the announcement as a “radiant milestone” in California’s journey toward inclusivity, emphasizing the community’s contributions to innovation, the economy, and the spirit of the state.
The new law grants state employees paid time off and empowers schools to observe the holiday, allowing families to fully embrace Deepavali traditions.
First Piper 